Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 20, 2024.

Applies to dorzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. Your doctor may want to do certain tests to see if the medicine is working properly or to see if certain side effects may be occurring without you or your child knowing it.

If itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of eye or eyelid irritation occur, check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you or your child are allergic to dorzolamide eye drops.

This medicine may cause some people to have blurred vision for a short time. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see properly. Also, since blurred vision may be a sign of a side effect that needs medical attention, check with your doctor if it continues.

Ophthalmic dorzolamide may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort. If the discomfort continues, check with your doctor.

If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You or your child may need to get a new bottle of the eye drops to help prevent an eye infection or keep an infection from getting worse.

Serious allergic reactions may occur while using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms: black, tarry stools, blistering, peeling, or loose of the skin, chills, dark urine, joint or muscle pain, rash, red skin lesions, often with a purple center, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, dorzolamide ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dorzolamide ophthalmic:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking dorzolamide ophthalmic:

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps or pain
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
• seizures
• trembling
• weakness and heaviness of the legs

Other side effects

Some side effects of dorzolamide ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dorzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were ocular burning, stinging, or discomfort, and bitter taste.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Superficial punctate keratitis (up to 15%), burning/stinging
• Common (1% to 10%): Tearing, conjunctivitis, eyelid inflammation, eye itching, eyelid irritation, blurred vision
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Iridocyclitis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Irritation, pain, eyelid crusting, transient myopia, corneal edema, ocular hypotony, choroidal detachment following filtration surgery^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very common (10% or more): Ocular allergic reaction (10%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Signs and symptoms of local reactions (palpebral reactions) and systemic allergic reactions including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash, shortness of breath, bronchospasm^[Ref]

Renal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urolithiasis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Epistaxis
• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin rash^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Biter taste (up to 25%)
• Frequency not reported: Headache^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Throat irritation, dry mouth^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia/fatigue^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Dorzolamide ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer